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Archive for February, 2007

A better Barça won their encounter against Racing Santander. Two goals from Ronaldinho allows Barça to increase their lead at the top of the table. Leo Messi played his first part in a game for three months following his recovery from injury.A penalty save from Valdes, two goals from Ronaldinho and the return of Leo Messi gave the home support something extra to cheer about. Frank Rijkaard has continued to help the team evolve as he has done in the last few games; in as much as the team’s physical display as well as their efficiency. The blaugrana continue to lead la liga and even increase their advantage a little.Movement and consistency Following the adjustments made in
Pamplona, Frank Rijkaard again put Rafa Marquez in the centre and paired up Edmilson and Puyol in defence. Other changes saw Belletti and Iniesta team up on the right flank. Barça played with fluidity and piled the pressure on the opposition, with Deco and Xavi dominating in the centre of the pitch and creating many opportunities for the attacking players. The first occasion opening up in the 12th minute when Zambrotta made a run into the area, however, preferred to play the ball back.Penalty Racing were beginning to find their feet in the game, but by no means were they causing Barça too many problems. However, in the 25th minute, the referee pointed to the spot for the visitors following a foul by Belletti on Juanjo. The home crowd was silenced, however, it did not last long as Valdes chose correctly and saved Garay’s spot kick. This save was Valdes’ second penalty save of the season.Barça raised their game following the penalty incident and in the 26th minute, Barça created two chances, one for Belletti and Ronaldinho and another for Iniesta and Saviola. Iniesta himself finished the half with a powerful long range effort which brought about a good save form Calatayud.Stars Barça had it clear in their minds that they wanted goals, while at the same time they had no time or space to relax. Ronaldinho tried from distance shortly after the break, however, the Racing defence held together well and denied the blaugrana easy passage through to goal.Persistance paid off in the 51st minute. Ronladinho was fouled a few metres outside of the area, which he executed the free kick with precision to break the deadlock. His free kick demonstrating the Barça ‘10′ is one of the best free kick takers around, if not the best. Ronaldinho appeared very up for the game and it was the Brazilian again who doubled the advantage with a header from Deco’s free kick. The celebrations were complete when Messi came on for Saviola; the home crowd voicing their appreciation.Denied the third In the closing stages of the game, a new party began following the arrival of news fromMalaga. Barça looked for the third goal, Ronaldinho coming close following a darting run into the area where his shot grazed the inside post denying him his hat-trick. A short while later, he made a similar run; this time his cross being just a little too high for Giuly to guide his header.Amongst the chants of ‘Champions’ in response to the Copa del Rey victory for the basketball team, Rijkaard brought on Oleguer, who received a rapturous welcome from the crowd. Barça came away deserved victors, stretching their slim advantage over the chasing pack.Click HERE for details of the matchThe goals1-0, Ronaldinho (min 51)
2-0, Ronaldinho (min 67)